Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Warm, bubbly, and with a perfectly golden top, this Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is the kind of comfort food that instantly transports you back to family gatherings and cozy weekends. Every bite is a celebration of tender pasta, silky cheese sauce, and irresistible flavor. It’s not just a dish; it’s pure nostalgia on a plate, making it the ultimate crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or any day that needs a touch of homestyle magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes this classic so special is its simplicity—each ingredient is chosen for how it builds rich, creamy layers and the perfect crust. Here’s a quick guide to what you’ll need, and why every element matters in the Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe.
- Elbow macaroni (1 pound): The iconic pasta shape for soaking up plenty of cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Essential for starting the roux and adding buttery flavor to the sauce.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps create a smooth, thick base for the cheese sauce.
- Whole milk (3 cups): Brings the ideal creaminess and subtle sweetness.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the sauce its extra-rich, luxurious texture.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances all the savory flavors throughout the dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a subtle aromatic depth that keeps you coming back for more.
- Mustard powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brightens the cheese and layers in a classic tang.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (3 cups): Brings bold, melt-in-your-mouth richness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Ensures gooey, stretchy pulls with every serving.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a nutty, slightly salty finish that makes every bite pop.
- Seasoned breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional): For those who crave a crisp, golden topping—mix with melted butter for extra crunch!
How to Make Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get an even, gentle heat ready. While the oven’s warming up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the pasta won’t stick. Have all your ingredients measured and ready—mis en place makes this dish a joy to assemble!
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente—usually about 1–2 minutes less than package directions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. It will finish cooking as it bakes, ensuring it doesn’t get mushy.
Step 3: Make the Roux
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. You’re looking for a fragrant, slightly nutty aroma without browning the mixture—this forms the perfect base for a velvety sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking as you go to prevent lumps. Keep stirring as the mixture begins to thicken, about 5–7 minutes. It’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon, promising supreme creaminess in the final dish.
Step 5: Add Seasonings and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and add salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Stir to blend. Slowly sprinkle in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, whisking until everything is smooth, melted, and irresistibly creamy.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly so every macaroni nook is covered. This step turns a few simple ingredients into that signature Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe magic.
Step 7: Assemble and Top
Pour the cheesy macaroni into your prepared baking dish. If you’re a fan of crunch, sprinkle seasoned breadcrumbs evenly on top—mixing with a tablespoon of melted butter first will give you an even more crave-worthy crust.
Step 8: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until the top is gloriously golden and the edges start to bubble. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving (if you can resist!), so the sauce thickens to a perfect, scoopable consistency.
How to Serve Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Amp up the visual and flavor factor with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, a flurry of grated Parmesan, or even a touch of smoked paprika on top. These little touches add color, aroma, and personality—making your Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe truly shine.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad or simple roasted broccoli are the ultimate partners—bright and refreshing against the decadent cheesiness. A tangy tomato salad or buttery corn on the cob also pair beautifully to balance out the richness of this classic favorite.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, serve individual portions in ramekins for an elegant twist. Or turn Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe into a main event by topping it with crispy bacon bits or sautéed veggies for color, crunch, and extra heartiness. Try it as a side for holiday roasts, too—it never disappoints!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To keep that cheesy goodness fresh, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing if you want extra moisture protection.
Freezing
You can freeze the fully baked and cooled mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Wrap the dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For creamy results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil until warmed through (about 20 minutes). If it looks a bit dry, add a splash of milk before reheating. Short on time? Individual portions warm up beautifully in the microwave, too.
FAQs
Can I prepare Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the dish up to one day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Simply bake when you’re ready to serve—you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if starting cold.
What are the best cheese substitutions?
While classic cheddar is the star, feel free to swap in or mix Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda for added complexity. The key is using cheeses that melt well and bring the creamy texture you love.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely—just use your favorite gluten-free elbow macaroni and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. The breadcrumbs on top can also be swapped for gluten-free ones or omitted altogether.
How can I add protein or veggies?
Enhance the Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe by stirring in cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed vegetables like spinach, peppers, or peas. This makes it even heartier and turns it into a complete meal.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use all whole milk in a pinch—your cheese sauce will still be deliciously creamy, though a bit less rich. For extra silkiness, half-and-half is a great alternative if you have it on hand.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a soul-satisfying, cheesy classic that everyone will love, you simply can’t go wrong with this Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe. Don’t wait for a special occasion—give it a spin, make it your own, and get ready for big smiles at the dinner table!
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Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this rich and creamy baked macaroni and cheese recipe. Perfectly seasoned and topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Macaroni:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping:
- 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Macaroni: Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, add milk and cream, cook until thickened. Stir in seasonings and cheeses until melted.
- Combine and Bake: Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce, pour into baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter before topping.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for varied flavors.
- Enhance with cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
